Cecilio 4/4CEVN-1Y Solid Wood Yellow Maple Metallic Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 1 (Full Size)

Updated Review 02-01-17:Since my first review, my wife and I have since returned a total of 4 used and/or damaged violins. The issues were as follows:1st Violin Received (shown in first 4 photos attached):a) The Bridge was Pre-Installed (most Cecilio products come with the bridge NOT installed to prevent shipping damages and this model even comes with a paper that states it should have been shipped with the bridge "uninstalled" and how to correctly and safely set it up. Thus, it was most-likely used prior).b) The bow's hairs were entangled in the case's latching mechanism which resulted in broken hairs. This was an issue since having a luthier rehair a bow costs about $50 at most music stores…c) The blue protective cover to the violin was coarsely scuffedd) the headphone set was hanging out of its plastic package and the black tie was untied and tossed separately in the case (aka: used since the only way someone can get to it is by lifting the instrument out).e) There was a small dent in the front body of the violin, most-likely via the bridge being pre-installed incorrectly.2nd Violin Received (shown in the 5th-8th photos attached): note, this violin arrived without the bridge installed as is typically for Cecilio products to avoid damage during shipments of the instruments.a) The rosin was cracked. this can damage the hairs on a bow if used and it is recommended not to utilize rosin in this condition.b) There was a large crack in the back of the body of the violin next to the electronic box. Photos 6-8 show this.3rd Violin Received (shown in photos 9, 10, & 11 attached):a) Bridge was installed (most Cecilio products come with the bridge NOT installed to prevent shipping damages and this model even comes with a paper that states it should have been shipped with the bridge "uninstalled" and how to correctly and safely set it up. Thus, it was most-likely used prior).b) Rosin was again crackedc) The bow was improperly stored in the case which cased tension on the hairsd) The fingerboard was badly scratched near the body of the violin, suggestive of improper bridge installation.4th Violin Received (shown in photos 12-15):a) The Bridge was pre-installed again (most Cecilio products come with the bridge NOT installed to prevent shipping damages and this model even comes with a paper that states it should have been shipped with the bridge "uninstalled" and how to correctly and safely set it up. Thus, it was most-likely used prior).b) The bow was store incorrectly in the case. It was also stored fully tensed/tightened which is a huge NO NO since storing a bow with the hairs tensioned for long periods of time can ruin the hairs by stretching them, thus you will not be able to create the proper friction when coursing the strings. This was clearly shown when we tried taking some tension off, the hairs were completely limb and stretched out. This is also suggestive that it was used since NO good manufacturer would store a bow incorrectly in their case's mount and at full tension.c) Their were again scrapes/scratches in the base of the fingerboard near the body of the violin. Ironically, there were even places that looked as though they were scratched prior and restrained or Sharpied to cover them up… my wife and I have never seen that happen, so again… this product was most likely used prior.d) This particular violin was also poorly painted. The head was missing blue paint on the lower left side which was not functionally an issue, but cosmetically disappointing.We are currently waiting for the 5th replacement to come in. Wish us luck and be aware of the potential issues with this violin. Honestly, every one had a nice pickup quality for the price, but everything else is an uncertainty. We hope this review helps.Original Review:Earlier today my wife and I received our violin (Cecilio 4/4 CEVN-1BL Solid Wood Electric/Silent Violin with Ebony Fittings in Style 1 - Full Size - Blue Metallic). We were honestly initially happy that it arrived so quickly and that the shipping box “appeared to be” completely undamaged. At least it “appeared” undamaged, though there was much more packaging tape utilized than we have ever experienced in prior Cecillio purchases (so it was most likely opened prior and repackaged for shipment... but we will get to that later).The exterior instrument case that the violin came in was in perfect condition; however, once we opened the case we were sadly disappointed. Here are the issues (which we have photos of) we have discovered thus far:Cons:1) The blue protectice fabric covering the violin has a large white scuff where many of the fabric fibers were badly damaged. Sadly, it just looks roughly “used” which is bad for a supposedly "new" product.2) The violin came fully assembled. This would be a good thing to some, but since we know all Cecillio products come with the bridge not assembled (this is the 4th Cecillio product we own) it is definitively not normal. Worse yet, whoever put the bridge in must have did it wrong by squeezing it between "tightened strings" (which is a no no via the potential for damage) and the body of the violin. As a result, there is now a “DENT” in the body of the violin where the bridge was attempted to be squeezed in. This is not a new product and it is very disappointing. Again, we know this product comes unassembled not just because we own other Cecillio products, but because it says that fact in the product’s Amazon webpage video and the instrument itself came with an instructions page (which was torn at the edge) of how to set it all up safely. So… what happened here? In the photo I will attach, please note that it is difficult to see the dent via the blue metallic paint. Ironically, to the human eye, it is a very pronounce dent, yet the metallic flakes hide most of it via camera do to its reflective flakes.3) To further prove the fact that this violin was “used” prior, the bow was only partially wrapped in it’s protective wrapping and some of the bow’s hairs were both broken (fanning out) and entangled in the bow locking mechanism of the case’s lid. Therefore, someone obviously took the bow out of the protective plastic and later repackaged it improperly, thus, breaking and entangling the hairs. As such, this bow is damaged and will need repaired. Since rehairing a damaged bow will cost about $50 locally (not to mention the time to drop it off and pick it up days later), this is a depressing expense since it was advertised as “new” when we bought it.4) To further prove that this violin is “not” new, the plastic bag with a Ziploc-like seal containing the patch cord and headset was “unsealed” in the instrument case. Furthermore, the internal products within that bag were hanging half out of the bag. In addition, and worse of all, the black tie for the headset was tossed in the case (away from the headset) and the headset’s wires were left tangled (as though someone shoved them in). This proves that someone attempted to use the violin prior. There is no possible way this sealed bag could become unsealed, that the headset’s wires could become unwrapped, the headsets tie was tossed separately in the case, and that the internal components where left hanging out of the bag on its own…. especially since the violin needs to be taken out to even get to the bag (since it was placed under the head of the instrument). This is very disappointing.Again, this product did NOT arrive “new” as advertised. We’ve talked to a kind Amazon representative by the name of Atif who suggested we either send it back for a refund or take a 20% discount and later spend our own money to repair the bow and keep a damaged product…. So I sadly feel we will have to waste more time and money to return this instrument since locally rehairing the bow alone will cost more than the offered 20% discount. Even if the full cost of rehairing the bow was offered, we’d still have a dented violin body, a scuffed fabric protective cover, and a obviously used headset… it just doesn’t add up.The Pros:1) the blue paint, even though it is dented, is a pretty color,2) The electronics seem to work well,3) Everything in the kit “appears” to be present (just in damaged condition).Conclusion:We wanted to love this product, but when a clearly used product arrives that we have to devote more time and money to in order to return it, that takes away any convenience associated with online ordering. A new product should arrive as advertised…NEW. Anything other than as advertised is definitely worth a 1 star rating. In truth, for a beginner, this violin seems like a great deal, but only if it arrived in new and undamaged. I hope this review helps.

I bought this as a practice instrument so I would not to disturb the neighbors. It came ready to play right out of the box. The setup was fine, except for the strings. They had to be replaced. I put on some red labels, really cheap but made this violin come alive. I also had my music store owner professionally reshape and lower the bridge. But I had to have a quarter inch Jack to accept my wireless transmitter. So I ordered a black mono 1/4-in barrel Jack and 1/8 in mono patch cable from Amazon. I think I spent under $10 total. And as you can see I simply drilled a hole and mounted the barrel Jack, then cut the patch cable in half and soldered it to the barrel Jack. And presto, I have a great fiddle that I can take and play outside and keep as a backup. I play several instruments on stage, and I have to have my fiddle wireless. So the 1/4 inch Jack was the only option. Now I just reach over, grab it off the stand and kick off another song.I can't express enough on how great this violin plays. I've had so many of my fiddle playing friends pick up this instrument and fall in love with it. All you have to do is change the strings and have the bridge shaped and lowered. The electronics are good. I turn the volume control down when I put it back on it's stand. I love the fact that it has a tone control. I need to keep it toned down to about two or three because of the red label strings are very bright. It would be great with perlon core strings. The fine turners are larger and easier for me to dial it in quickly. I really like these fine turners. The bow is okay, it's good enough for practice. It takes rosin well. It came with some good rosin and a cleaning cloth. The case is well built, sturdy and light. This is a great violin package. I believe every player needs one of these for practice. In the motel room, nobody even can hear you next door. Please understand that violin shops are trying to sell violins. They will be the first to tell you that these packages are not worth the money. They are wrong, they are definitely worth the money. You will have one of the best practice instruments and backup instruments. As for tone, it will not replace my acoustic electric. But I will not take my acoustic electric out in harsh weather conditions. If this gets trashed or stolen, it can be easily replaced. I hope my experience with this violin helps.

Buen estuche, Presentación, calidad.

First I should say that while I play several other traditional instruments,my closest personal encounter was during a year in high school when I "held a viola".So far I'm not serious -- just have some spare time -- and the price is right.So on to the review: I am in an apartment - thus the reason for "silent".The hard case (foam I think) is very nice and light - 2 zippertoggles for closing, 2 shoulder straps on the back, with a pocket on theoutside top - 6"x8" music would fit easly.Inside the case there might be space for an extra bow,but apart from the electronics -(which I haven't tested or looked at) thereis only the small compartment under the neck for items - rosin, battery As far as I can see there is no room for a shoulder rest inside, which I don't have yet (though that probably would fit in the outside pocket). I tuned it up and it has held its pitch for a couple of weeks so far. I had to roughen the rosin surface with coarse sandpaper before the bow would take it up. With a little rosin on the bow, it is loud enough for me without amplification. I have playing tried without and with various homemade shoulder pads -- but nothing worked (at all) - so now waiting for a commercial model. I'm now thinking this is the most important part of a violin! If you can't hold it you can't play it. Conclusion: a good buy - it's worth what I paid , and I can't find fault with it. Not 5 stars because I haven't tried everything yet.

Malgré que le violon était bien emballé, j’ai reçu le violon avec une corde de brisée. J’ai cherché la boule qui retient la corde dans le cordier mais elle n’était nulle part dans l’étui ce qui confirme que la corde était brisée avant même que le violon soit déposé dans l’étui. Je trouve ça très ordinaire et même assez insultant!!! J’ai été porter le violon chez un luthier et il me disait avoir quelques modifications à faire pour qu’il soit possible d’en jouer. Il doit évidemment me mettre un ensemble de cordes neuves. Une chance que je l’avais commandé d’avance car c’est un cadeau pour la fête de ma fille. Imaginez la déception de recevoir son violon et de même pas pouvoir en jouer!!! Je m’attendais déjà d’aller le faire ajuster par le luthier mais la corde brisée sans avoir retrouvé la boule qui la retient dans le cordier m’a solidement déçu car il a été envoyé volontairement avec une corde brisée!!! INACCEPTABLE!!!

This violin is great for silent practice. I haven't had it for long but playing it sounds decent with headphones, it is very convenient for practicing without disturbing anyone (neighbours, room mates etc.) The strings don't seem to keep their tune very well but this could just be that the strings need to stretch (time has passed and they did just need to be stretched) or be changed to a higher quality string set. Mine arrived with a chip in the varnish at the back but I was given a reimbursement for the damage when I talked to Amazon.Overall:-Great for silent practice, sound quality is decent and works well with both headphones and amps.-Case is not high quality but will do the job in protecting the violin.-Violin itself looks and sounds great, heavier than an acoustic violin. (not an issue for me and the difference isn't that much)-Chinrest fits well with no issues.-Strings don't stay in tune long; this could be the strings need to be stretched out a bit as the pegs are not slipping. Could be easily resolved with higher quality strings. (Strings just needed to be stretched, keeps tune well now)-Is perfect for playing outdoors and effects on amp works great.There is one PROBLEM with the cecilio electric violin i received. The strings sat much too high from the finger board and caused hand pain. This is no part amazon's fault as it's a manufacturing issue. I took this up with cecilio and they continued to send me bridges to try and resolve the height as it became unplayable. After many bridges and frustration I took the violin to a local Luthier for advice. He determined that the nut sits too high as well as the bridge and suggested it was likely a manufacturing error. After bringing this to Cecilio's attention (still under warranty), the only option I was given was to have the local luthier fix it at my cost or ship it to the and pay for shipping both ways. This was upsetting and and not just for this reason but when looking up this problem online, I found many others have had the same issue.So overall I'm not impressed with cecilio and the quality they allow their instruments to leave their warehouse in. I can honestly say I will not be purchasing a cecilio instrument again.

Bought it three weeks ago. The violin itself is decent and bow is functioning. But everything else should probably be replaced. Rosin and headphone are garbage. Remember to get a better rosin and a shoulder rest with this violin.Basically there're two problems with this violin making me give it a 3-star.One is that it's still pretty audible when you play it. I'm living in an old small studio apartment and sometimes can hear neighbors (sometimes I know someone is talking or watching TV loudly). I'm still not sure whether they really can't hear me playing at all:/ I would say the sound may be more like an acoustic violin with a practice mute (and may be quieter).But the pro is that you absolutely can practice without headphone, and if you want, you can get a better and warmer sound through the headphone, or even EQ it with a mixer.The other problem, which is more annoying, is that the bridge is set too high which causes finger pain. And it also get harder to make good sound with a higher position, especially with pinkie. It seems the only way to solve this problem is to bring your violin to a luthier and adjust the bridge at your cost. Replacing the strings with synthetic core ones may also make it better though it won't change the situation.Anyway, I won't say it doesn't worth this price. But get ready to pay more than the price shown on this page to really set it up.